No. 19 Michigan opened up Big Ten play with an easy home win over Minnesota, defeating the Gophers 42-13. For Minnesota, it’s an 0-2 start in conference play.
Minnesota vs. Michigan final score: Wolverines cruise to win in B1G opener, 42-13
Devin Gardner and Fitz Toussaint combine for four total touchdowns as the Wolverines coast in Ann Arbor.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Fitzgerald Toussaint began the scoring with an eight-yard touchdown run, giving Michigan a 7-0 lead. Minnesota responded late in the first quarter with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Mitch Leidner to Maxx Williams, tying up the game.
The Wolverines were able to take the lead again right before the half on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Devin Gardner to Devin Funchess, and expanded on it when Derrick Green ran for a two-yard touchdown early in the third. Minnesota responded with a field goal, but a 12-yard touchdown run from Toussaint made it 28-10.
Minnesota scored another field goal, but a two-yard Gardner touchdown run sealed the deal. Minnesota attempted to drive down the field one last team, but Blake Countess picked off a Leidner pass and returned the interception 72 yards for the touchdown.
The Gophers were without head coach Jerry Kill, who suffered a seizure before the game.
Box Score Hero: Devin Gardner had a very neat 13/17 passing line for 235 yards and a touchdown, and ran for a score as well.
Rankings Ramifications: Michigan was ranked No. 19 in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the Coaches’ Poll. They could move up a few spots, depending on what happens ahead of them.
But Did They Cover? Michigan was an 18-point favorite, so yes.
For More On This Game: Read more about Michigan at Maize N Brew. For the Minnesota reaction, head to the Daily Gopher.
Next Week’s Schedule: Minnesota has a bye week before their second-straight road game against a ranked B1G opponent when they face Northwestern. Michigan travels to play Penn State next week.
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